April 30, 2014

Coffee Table Makeover

Coffee Table Makeover
Nate and I have had this simple black coffee table from Ikea for a few years, and it was definitely time for a change. I figured that I should try to do a quick makeover instead of spending money on something new (because it's in great shape, so why get rid of it?) and found that a fresh paint job and some contact paper could do the trick! I have to admit, this didn't turn out the way that I had originally envisioned. I wanted to paint it white and cover the entire top with cork contact paper, but I ended up measuring incorrectly (twice!) so it just didn't look right. I then had to think of something to do with the leftover contact paper, and suddenly had a vision of cutting out hearts to cover the top of the table! Coffee Table Makeover Supplies Used:
-Coffee table from Ikea
-Leftover white paint from painting walls
-Mod Podge
-Cork contact paper
-Americana Sealer and Finish
-Sandpaper (I used a sanding sponge)

*I bought all of these products from Lowe's at some point, with the exception of the table and the Mod Podge (which I've had forever and probably bought from a craft store)
Coffee Table MakeoverCoffee Table Makeover
I should start off by saying that I am by no means a professional when it comes to making over furniture! I actually have little experience (something I'm trying to remedy!) but I do what works for me and what works for the furniture we have. I'm not sure if this process will work for others, but I love the final result!

First, I sanded the entire coffee table. It isn't wood, so really the sanding process just roughed it up a little bit and made it look dusty. After sanding, I covered the entire table in Mod Podge. This seems odd, right? My thoughts were that the Mod Podge might give the table a bit of a textured look while also giving the paint something to stick to. As odd as it may seem, it totally worked!
Coffee Table Makeover
After letting the Mod Podge dry, I painted the entire coffee table white. I used a bright white paint in eggshell, which I know is usually a furniture no-no. However, I was really trying to use supplies that I already had on hand, and I also liked the idea of the table having a rougher look to it. The end result after painting kind of gave the table a painted wood vibe, which I love. It tricks me into thinking our coffee table is wood!

I then used a clear acrylic sealer/finisher in matte and sprayed the whole table. I did about four coats, letting each dry before applying the next.
Coffee Table Makeover
Like I mentioned before, I had intended for the top to be covered in cork. Since that didn't work out the way I wanted, I used the leftover contact paper to cut 12 hearts. They're about the same size, though they aren't completely uniform, which is what I wanted.
Coffee Table Makeover
Coffee Table Makeover
In the end, I'm really happy with how this project turned out! I was bummed at first that my original plan didn't work, but I actually really love these hearts. When I first told Samantha about my dilemma, she was quick to point out that the hearts act like built-in coasters- UM yes! They really do! A happy surprise that I didn't even think of until she mentioned it. xx Courtney

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